What Happens When You Dare To Love Something So Fully…

In the last 18 months of living by the river, I experienced a deep love that felt almost unbearable. Each morning, coffee in hand, I sat by the riverside feeling an overwhelming gratitude for life. The sunlight danced on the water, the trees swayed in harmony, and the wildlife thrived—it was bliss. I gave myself fully to it, falling in love with every inch of that land.

In an Instant, It Was Gone

And then, in an instant, it was gone. Everything. The trees, the flowers, the soil—all swept away by the raging river during Hurricane Helené in September 2024. My sanctuary was reduced to sand and rubble, a heartbreaking aftermath of nature’s fury.

The pain left me questioning: Can you love something too much? Is this what happens when you dare to love fully?

Mourning the Connection, Not the Things

It wasn’t the loss of things but the connection I mourned—the sacred bond between my soul and nature. That connection made me feel alive, grounded, and whole. Now it’s gone, and the emptiness is profound.

I close my eyes and wish for just one more moment. One more chance to walk down the steps of my deck, hug the bear safety tree goodbye and thank every blade of grass and flower for being part of my life. I yearn for the sanctuary that was home—the only place where I ever felt truly at peace.

Learning from Impermanence

In my grief, I try to remind myself of life’s impermanence. Nothing lasts forever. I always thought I’d stay there until the end of my days, but perhaps part of me did die on that fateful day. I never imagined my home would leave before I did.

This experience has taught me something about love—its depth, fragility, and power to transform. To love so deeply is to risk profound loss. But isn’t that what it means to truly live? Isn’t love the essence of who we are?

Embracing Vulnerability as a Coach

As a coach, I’ve often asked clients to consider the vulnerability that comes with embracing their dreams and passions. After the flood, I was terrified to love again. The pain of losing something so cherished is almost unbearable. And yet, if I had the choice, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would love just as deeply, knowing full well the cost. Those eleven years by the river were the greatest gift of my life. They taught me how to connect, live, and love.

Grief as Proof of Love

Grief isn’t the enemy. It’s proof of how deeply we’ve loved. It’s a reflection of the courage it takes to open our hearts and embrace life in all its impermanence. To love fully is to live fully—and I would choose that again and again.

Supporting Transformation in Our Clients

As coaches, we witness our clients navigating profound changes and losses, whether in their careers, relationships, or personal lives. This is where transformation begins. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we find the courage to grow. We can choose to protect ourselves from heartbreak by keeping love and dreams at bay, or we can dare to embrace them fully, understanding that impermanence is part of the journey.

The pain of loss is real, but it is also a testament to a life fully lived. So here I am, standing in the rubble of what once was, still grateful, still choosing love. Because to love—even when it breaks you—is what it means to truly live. And as coaches, we hold space for this courage in ourselves and in others.

No regrets. Just boundless love.